The Boundary Waters Canoe Area, running through Voyageurs National Park, consists of a series of conjoined lakes.

Only a limited number of permits to canoe into the watery wilderness are alloted each year, and the size of canoe parties is also limited. That assures you an experience of some solitude. On my own canoeing experiences, I was the only one on the lake if you don’t count the wildlife.

There was ample time to watch an eagle fly around, probably looking for something to eat, and scan the distance in (vain, as it happens) hopes of seeing a moose or two. There was only one developed campground on this particular lake, and, while busy cooking some food over an open fire, the eagle flew by nipping at the tail feathers of an intruding crow. My camera was dutifully waiting nearby on its tripod and I wasn’t quick enough to get the shot.